Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the
relative teaching time and student effort required to
successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may
include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also
the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and
complete all assessment requirements, including any
non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply the theories and principles of design to the design of buildings. It can be applied to both residential buildings (BCA Classes 1 and 10) and commercial buildings (BCA Classes 2 to 9). It requires the ability to research, analyse and evaluate information on the history and elements of architecture and their influence on current practice. It includes developing a design response which meets the requirements of a project brief, and communicating a final design solution to relevant stakeholders.

1.1 A range of research techniques is used to source information on the influential periods of global architecture through the works of recognised architects and designers.

1.2 Architectural terminology and language is identified for application in research.

1.3 Own knowledge and understanding of global architecture is developed through review and critical analysis of the influences and features of recognised works.

1.4 The principal characteristics of predominant architectural styles are researched and recorded.

1.5 Impacts of global architecture are analysed for their influence on Australian regional architecture.

Element:

2. Determine design principles

Performance Criteria:

2.1 The history and main principles of design theories are researched and examined to inform, compare and contrast with present beliefs, methods and practice.

2.2 Design principles are researched which constitute sound and innovative design and its practice on a tectonic concept.

2.3 The relationship between art, architecture and nature is explored to determine the application of form, functionality and aesthetics in design.

2.4 Principles of symmetry, rhythm and symbolism in art and architecture are researched and compared with current theories of culture, politics and technology.

Element:

3. Apply design principles to the context of a site

Performance Criteria:

3.1 The project brief is analysed to determine client requirements for the design.

3.2 The correlation between human behaviour, function, aesthetics, typology, neighbourhood character and site context is analysed to determine patterns of movement, spatial relationships and visual goals determined by the project brief.

3.3 Circulation patterns/bubble diagrams are developed to illustrate patterns of movement and spatial relationships.

3.4 Social, sustainable and technical factors are integrated in accordance with regulatory requirements and contextual and site restraints.

Element:

4. Develop and express ideas through freehand sketching

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Principal elements of sketching are identified and explored through visual and sketched studies of built forms and their internal and external features.

4.2 Sketches are produced using a range of media to interpret design solutions and concepts and to illustrate details of construction, structural and aesthetic elements of a design.

4.3 Selected rendering techniques are used to enhance readability and interpretation and to display a range of material finishes.

4.4 Sketches are produced with accurate proportions and in accordance with project timelines, as required.

Element:

5. Resolve and communicate design solutions to a built form

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Architectural theories are evaluated and integrated to a conceptual programme.

5.2 Features of comparable building designs are researched to inform the development of a design solution.

5.3 Design theories, concepts and ideas are combined to produce a design solution.

5.4 The elements of human needs, the environment, sustainability and technology are integrated into a concept design.

5.5 A range of alternative responses is developed and reviewed and a final solution is selected for presentation to relevant stakeholders.

5.6 The final design solution is confirmed against the project brief and communicated to relevant stakeholders through 2D or 3D media.

Learning Outcomes

This unit of competency supports the attainment of the knowledge and skills required for building designers to apply the principles and theories of design to residential and commercial building projects.

Details of Learning Activities

The following list is indicative of the range of activities undertaken in the course.

Studio

Peer Review

Supervised work in class

Lectures

Site Visits

Galleries

Buildings

Independent Research

Emphasis of activities may vary depending on the specific design projects.

All other resources are available online in the course distributed learning system.Access and information is available from each course teacher.

Overview of Assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate design drafting workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. Holistic or project-based assessment with other related units is recommended.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to: • research and apply knowledge of global architecture, architects and designers and their influences on modern design theories • apply architectural concepts to a built form • develop a design solution which meets the requirements of the project brief • communicate design solutions to stakeholders using a range of media.

Assessment Tasks

There are 4 design projects in each year.Each task builds upon the skills learned in previous projects.Each project grade is weighted based on the complexity of the task.There are 2 Design Theory/ History Assignments. These tasks account for 15% of the final Arch 5185 Course Grade

Assessment Matrix

Performance Criteria

Design Project 01

Design Project 02

Design Project 03

Design Project 04

Theory/ History 01

History Theory 02

E1

E1.1

*

*

E1.2

*

*

E1.3

*

*

E1.4

*

*

E1.5

*

*

E2

E2.1

*

*

*

*

E2.2

*

*

*

*

E2.3

*

*

*

*

E2.4

*

*

*

*

E3

E3.1

*

*

*

*

E3.2

*

*

*

*

E3.3

*

*

*

*

E3.4

*

*

*

*

E3.5

*

*

*

*

E4

E4.1

*

*

*

*

E4.2

*

*

*

*

E4.3

*

*

*

*

E4.4

*

*

*

*

E5

E5.1

*

*

*

*

E5.2

*

*

*

*

E5.3

*

*

*

*

E5.4

*

*

*

*

E5.5

*

*

*

*

E5.6

*

*

*

*

Other Information

COURSE GRADEArch 5185 is part 2 of a 2 part course, (with Arch 5184 Design Residential)The final course grade recorded is a combination of both the Arch 5184 & Arch 5185 grades.

Academic Progress: At the end of each academic period individual student progress will be reviewed by the Student Academic Progress Review Committee and students will be advised of their eligibility for progression.

Student Charter: The Student Charter, in association with the University’s statutes and law, indicates what the University and its students can expect from each other. The University’s mission is to create and disseminate knowledge to meet the needs of industry and the community and to foster in students the skills and passion to contribute to and engage with the world. http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=tkn8wtd23h84z

Student Responsibilities:In undertaking this course students are required to be responsible for: •The time management of the course work in order to complete all work requirements satisfactorily and on time. •RMIT encourages students to attend all scheduled classes to optimise academic success. •To ascertain what content or assessment has been missed, and gather the information prior to next class. •To be proactive in mastering the academic material of the course by challenging, questioning and extending course outcomes. •To be responsible for the maintenance of a non-disruptive and scholastic attitude in the learning environment. See RMIT Academic progress information, responsibilities and support for current students: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=nzasms4pljer

Employability skills: Employability skills describe non-technical skills and competencies that are an important part of effective and successful participation in the workplace. The following Employability Skills are an inherent part of this course: Communication, Teamwork, Problem solving, Initiative and enterprise, Planning and organising, Self management, Learning and Technology.